Sept. 18--What do German pride, beer and happiness have in common? Oktoberfest, of course. The annual festival is one of the biggest celebrations known across the world, combining people from all over. But when you can't attend the party, you need to bring the party to you.
Check out these Chicago restaurants hosting Oktoberfest specials and celebrations, kicking off this weekend.
Bottlefork: German bites and seasonal craft beers are on tap from Sept. 19 through Oct. 5. Enjoy schnitzel sliders ($12) and pretzels with house-made beer cheese ($9). Prepare your taste buds for Solemn Oath Brewery's limited release Oktoberface ($8) along with a craft selection from Tighthead Brewing Co. and Itascafest Marzen from Church Street. Specials are available all day. www.bottlefork.com, 441 N. Clark St., 312-955-1900.
The Butcher's Tap: Come for the food, pair it with a lighter pilsner, Executive Chef Sean Currie suggests. From Sept. 19 through Sept. 26, enjoy three German specials in honor of Oktoberfest: A Schnitzel sandwich with choice of potato salad or sauerkraut ($10); a sausage plate with a traditional style brat paired with German potato salad, bacon and beer sauerkraut, and whole grain mustard ($12); and a Shebogan style brat on a bun with melted onions and a side of potato salad ($10). www.thebutcherstap.com, 3553 N. Southport Ave., 773-325-0123.
The Dawson: Oktoberfest Kick-Off will feature a $25 bottomless Bavarian spread of classic German dishes, including cheesy spaetzle, potato pancakes, borscht and a few others. A wide variety of German beer is promised, along with live music. Sept. 19 from 1-4 p.m. Also, The Dawson will offer a two-week German hot pot dinner Sept. 19 through Oct. 4. For $14, guests can enjoy pork shoulder, sausage, layers of cabbage, onions, carrots and German riesling. www.the-dawson.com, 730 W. Grand Ave., 312-243-8955.
The Gage: German-inspired fare fills an Oktoberfest menu of veal schnitzel, braised rabbit salad, beer-braised pork and Amish chicken, all paired with special sides; plus for dessert, German chocolate cake. The menu will be available Sept. 19 through Oct. 4 daily along with the regular menu. Prices vary. www.thegagechicago.com, 24 S. Michigan Ave., 312-372-4243.
Commonwealth Tavern: This Roscoe Village bar is featuring $5 fall beers every Wednesday through December, including Revolution's Oktoberfest, Two Brothers' Atom Smasher, Great Lakes' Oktoberfest and Metropolitan's Afterburner. Southern Tier Pumking will be available for $6 each. www.commonwealthchicago.com;, 2000 W. Roscoe St., 773-697-7965.
Upcoming Oktoberfest specials and events
Timothy O'Toole's Pub: A two-day event with German beers and bites takes place Sept. 25-26 from 11-4 a.m. each day. www.timothyotooles.com, 622 N. Fairbanks Court, 312-642-0700.
Dusek's Board Beer: To celebrate its second anniversary, the restaurant will host a Blocktoberfest celebration on Sept. 27 from 2-10 p.m. www.dusekschicago.com, 1807 S. Allport St., 312-526-3851.
Frontier: A beer garden celebration will take place Oct. 3 at 12 p.m. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat menu consisting of a wide variety of German favorites; $25 per person. www.thefrontierchicago.com, Oct. 3; 1072 N. Milwaukee, 773-772-4322.
